Introducing the first cohort of Everyone's Business programme!
Meet the 11 social enterprises contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and hopeful Sweden.
We're thrilled to announce a new partnership between IKEA Social Entrepreneurship B.V., Ingka, and Yunus Social Innovation. Together, we've created the Social Enterprise Partnership (SEP) Programme. The programme supports local social enterprises in scaling their existing businesses and creating more inclusive and sustainable communities while meeting IKEA business needs.
The first three IKEA markets to participate are Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland, with more to follow as the programme progresses.
"As a collaborating neighbourhood partner, we are always seeking ways to learn, engage and connect with our local communities so we can truly understand and meet their needs. The SEP programme offers an opportunity to partner with social entrepreneurs in a genuine way so that we become stronger together."
- Lena Engman, Sustainability Retail Operations Manager, Ingka Group
- Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship BV
By collaborating and engaging with social entrepreneurs, we can integrate learnings and insights into their operations and create meaningful change. That's the idea at the heart of SEP, where social entrepreneurs who drive inclusive and effective businesses lead the way.
"This tailored, action-oriented and collaborative programme shows the power of what's possible when purpose meets business. We are proud to launch this unique partnership with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and Ingka Group. Together, we will strive to enable impactful collaborations between social entrepreneurs and IKEA markets, addressing concrete business needs while driving social impact."
- Lucie Durand, SEP Programme Lead and Co-Executive Director, Yunus Social Innovation
We've been partnering with social businesses since 2012 to co-create products and services — like the annual MÄVINN collection — sold through IKEA global sales channels. We also support social entrepreneurs outside of our value chain by developing and funding accelerator programmes, providing grants and loans, facilitating access to new markets, and sharing our knowledge so they can reach more people and have a bigger impact.
A two-way collaboration
Social entrepreneurs know their local communities better than anyone. They understand needs, challenges, and opportunities and are uniquely positioned to develop innovative and relevant businesses that address social and environmental challenges. However, they can face barriers to scaling their businesses and impact, such as a lack of funding, access to networks, and reaching potential business partners.
At the same time, many of our stores are searching for ways to provide better customer experiences, from last-mile deliveries and assembly services to repairs, alterations and in-house services like cleaning. In some markets, IKEA is already partnering with social enterprises at a local level and wants to further develop, while other markets have shown interest in working with social enterprises but are unsure how best to start.
The SEP programme aims to leverage synergies between our market needs and local social enterprise solutions. It will establish solid partnerships to support inclusive enterprises in scaling their businesses and impact through funding, mentorship, and networking. Meanwhile, we can fulfil operational needs and continue strengthening our mission to create a better everyday life for the many people.
Though the programme, we’ll work together to:
- Map and identify social enterprises that align with IKEA’s business needs for new partnerships
- Build internal competence development within IKEA and some of our Tier-1 suppliers
- Strengthen IKEA and supplier capabilities to collaborate effectively with social enterprises
- Accelerate the scale and impact of local social enterprises
The first three IKEA markets to participate are Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland, with more to follow as the programme progresses.
"As a collaborating neighbourhood partner, we are always seeking ways to learn, engage and connect with our local communities so we can truly understand and meet their needs. The SEP programme offers an opportunity to partner with social entrepreneurs in a genuine way so that we become stronger together."
- Lena Engman, Sustainability Retail Operations Manager, Ingka Group
Doing good is good for business
"Since 2018, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship B.V. has supported over 230 social entrepreneurs across the world in scaling their business and impact. By continuing this work through SEP, we have a unique opportunity to explore bridging the gap between social enterprises and the operational needs of IKEA markets."- Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship BV
By collaborating and engaging with social entrepreneurs, we can integrate learnings and insights into their operations and create meaningful change. That's the idea at the heart of SEP, where social entrepreneurs who drive inclusive and effective businesses lead the way.
"This tailored, action-oriented and collaborative programme shows the power of what's possible when purpose meets business. We are proud to launch this unique partnership with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and Ingka Group. Together, we will strive to enable impactful collaborations between social entrepreneurs and IKEA markets, addressing concrete business needs while driving social impact."
- Lucie Durand, SEP Programme Lead and Co-Executive Director, Yunus Social Innovation
We've been partnering with social businesses since 2012 to co-create products and services — like the annual MÄVINN collection — sold through IKEA global sales channels. We also support social entrepreneurs outside of our value chain by developing and funding accelerator programmes, providing grants and loans, facilitating access to new markets, and sharing our knowledge so they can reach more people and have a bigger impact.